MBOMBELA – During an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Top Star spokesperson, Muntu Gama, said they are aware of the circulating SMSes, “We are aware of the messages, but we are not going to be part of the march. We don’t know where the messages come from. We can assure our commuters that we will operate as normal tomorrow,” said Gama.
On Sunday the South African Police Service issued a stern warning to those who are planning to break the law, following a number of SMSes and statements doing the rounds and going viral on social media.
One such statement purporting to be an early warning refers to the strife and mayhem that unfolded at Kanyamazane during the past week, as well as more still to come.
Last week violent service delivery protests erupted in the area leading to roads being blockaded with burning tyres and debris, looting of foreign-owned shops and a major retail liquor outlet, as well as rampant lawlessness.
There was a complete shutdown that disrupted schooling and major socio-economic life in the area.
According to the statement on social media, warns of continued strife where there are plans “to target all government buildings such as schools, clinics, and municipalities around Kanyamazane starting from Sunday 2018/08/19 afternoon to continue with the strike /protest action,” reads the statement.
The statement further threats to burn down a major retail store, because of rivalry and limiting of opportunities to their competitors, as well as an array of other accusations, are also made in the statement.
The South African Police Services said the origins and authenticity of the statement and others are currently unknown. “The SAPS have a duty to protect all inhabitants and their property as enshrined in the Constitution of the country. Hence, the position of the SAPS in response to the statements is that law and order have to prevail at all time. Members of the dignified blue will therefore not stand idle and watch while lawlessness prevail. Anyone who breaks the law will, therefore, feel and face its full might, as a result,” said the police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni, will tomorrow meet the community of Kanyamazane to respond to their concerns.
Premier Mtshweni has already instructed the provincial Department of Human Settlement to appoint additional contractors to refurbish houses that have been affected by disaster and contractors must be on site on the 21st August 2018.
